I’m at a crossroad in my automotive interest and the NAV system just went blank. (Damned Micro$oft.)
A recent virtual discuss via e-mail with a co-worker showed how different–and disparate–enthusiasts can view the scene. After reading one of his reviews, I pointed out what I feel is a common mistake among automotive reviewers: assuming buyers will purchase based on vehicle underpinnings. He replied that he normally did his reviews and left issues such as “branding” to marketing.
I was taken aback. The branding issue was blatant to me. How could he–and other reviewers–not see it? But I soon realized just how easy it was to focus when dealing something as broad as the automotive industry. Vehicle mechanics? Style? European? Domestic? New or used? The list goes on.
I’ve checked out other automotive blogs and their focus vary as well. Some are news specific while others deal with the daily pleasure (rare) and pain (very, very common) of rebulding their Bimmer or Ford for the umpteenth time. Several blogs are automotive specific (right down to discussing, for example, only a specific engine) while others have an automotive section with one post in it.
Focus on what interests me? That means personal experiences, business views, and rants. Enthusiats view? V-8 or inline four or how many LATCH can be found in the latest Yukon Or both?
2 comments so far
i have the same concerns. blog about what the majority wants, or blog about what strikes me as cool. i try to find a balance between mass market stuff i think is cool and the things that really spark my interest.
i’m a gearhead who works in the industry, and yet i could care less about most of the inner workings. i love the mazda i’m driving this week and yet i know nothing about it’s mechanicals other than it has 5 gears and 6 pistons. don’t know how big they are. don’t care.
June 3rd, 2006 at 3:43 am
There’s alot of good sites out there that already cover a particular vehicle’s specifications, etc. For me anyway, I find the blogs I enjoy are more focused towards the personal experience and opinions of actual consumers. Sort of an “inside opinion”.
Getting “the facts” is fine, but already available in many different places. However, it’s the personal observations, experiences and insights that help potential buyers consider things they may not of thought of. Just my 2 cents.
October 9th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
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